Rana,Sharma steer HPCA to win

AK Rana (84) and NT Sharma (83) both smashed half-centuries each to help Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association (HPCA) win its first match and open account in Col. CK Nayudu Trophy cricket tournament by beating Goa A by an innings and ten runs on Saturday.

The HPCA U-25 team won the toss and elected to bat first. Some gritty batting display,specially by Rana and Sharma,helped the team post a competitive total of 445 runs. Rana and Nitin looked in sublime touch and smashed the Goa bowlers all over the ground to raise their half-centuries. In a bid to accelerate the run rate,both lost their wickets while trying to go over the top.

In reply,Goa were dismissed for 253 runs,as they lost by an innings and ten runs. AN Chauhan impressed everyone with his bowling skills as he bagged five wickets for 72 runs. He bowled a tidy line as the Goa batting line up fell like ninepins.

HPCA will now play their second Test match against Tripura from November 8 to 11 in Agartala. They will also be seen in action against Kerala,Jharkhand and Chhattisgarh in the upcoming matches.